Eight Arrested After Anti-Immigration March Disrupts Liverpool's County Road Businesses
A recent anti-immigration march in Liverpool's Walton district led to eight arrests, as counter-protest groups also gathered. Businesses along County Road largely shuttered, recalling the civil unrest that afflicted the area in 2024.
Despite the heavy police presence, major disorder was reportedly avoided. Merseyside Police confirmed the arrests encompassed public order offences, possession of cannabis, breach of the peace, and assaulting a police officer.
The demonstration, organised via social media, featured calls for "no more illegals" and "mass deportation". Approximately 200 protesters chanted "send them back" and used offensive language while advocating for deportations. Officers separated these protesters from counter-demonstrators displaying placards with slogans such as "hands off our neighbours" and "stop the far right" near the Royal Oak pub.
The march, initially moving towards Queens Drive, was diverted through a churchyard into residential streets near Goodison Park stadium before participants largely dispersed back on County Road.
Local councillors criticised the march's location due to the area's prior experience with severe damage during the 2024 riots. Labour council leader Liam Robinson stated that local authorities lack the power to prevent such marches, a decision resting solely with the Home Office. Liberal Democrat leader Carl Cashman acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but condemned the intimidation of a community still recovering from previous disorder.
Police utilised temporary powers to disperse individuals, conduct searches, and demand the removal of facial coverings. Superintendent Phil Mullally noted that most arrests occurred before or after the procession, targeting individuals involved in anti-social behaviour in adjacent locations. He expressed hope that the disruption caused was minimal.
